Swifts progress past the Jaggies

Jeanfield progressed to a 2nd round date with Carnoustie Panmure following a 2-0 victory over Scone Thislte in the GA Engineering Cup on Saturday.

Second half goals from Chris Scott and a late Robbie Holden close range finish saw last seasons beaten finalists through a tricky tie against our Perthshire neighbours.

Swifts made 5 changes to the team who were well defeated by Dundonald with Mark Duigan, Sean Fleming, Tony Holt, Robbie Holden and Lee Deans all returning to the starting line up.

Whether it was those 5 changes, the tricky surface or just not being up for the game but Scone started the game better and were winning all the second balls in midfield and not allowing Swifts to get into a rhythm and get their main dangermen on the ball.  Passes were going astray, players not moving into positions to receive the ball or just poor passing but the home side were on the front foot for most of the half.

It was the home side who had the best chance to open the scoring but they were twice to be denied by Mark Mitchell in the goal.  First he got down well to save a Sinclair free kick from the edge of the box then he was up sharp and across his goal to stop Fergus from firing the North League side into the lead.

Slowly Swifts grew into the game and almost scored when a Tony Holt free kick from 20 yards hit the post and came back into play but was cleared by the stubborn home defence.

Just before the break Swifts has their clearest chance to put the ball into the back off the Scone net.  Excellent pressing from Holden and Lewis Baker saw a home defender attempt a pass back to his goalkeeper but Baker intecpted the pass.  He took a touch but passed the ball past the far post when he looked to have more time to compose himself.

Harsh words were exchanged in the visiting dressing room at the break and it did the trick as Swifts came out on the front foot as they were shooting up the hill.

Baker forced the home keeper into a very good save when he controlled a high ball from Holden before cutting inside and firing for the bottom corner.  Sadly Winton got down well and tipped it behind.

Swifts were now getting the ball down and moving it quicker not allowing Scone time to get men behind the ball and just past the hour mark the deadlock was broken.

Mitchell started the move with a pass out to skipper Chris Anton.  His ball up the line found Stevie McManus who slipped the ball to the onrushing Holt.  The Swifts longest serving player drove forward and got a slight break of the ball before passing to Scott who curled a beauty into the far top corner of the net.

Scott almost doubled his tally soon after when McManus played a free kick short to him and his side foot effort looked destined for the same top corner but hit the bar with the goalkeeper well beaten.

The home side kept coming forward in the hope of finding an equiliser but the Swifts back 5 were working hard and dealing with everything that was thrown at them.

With the clock ticking towards 90 minutes Swifts killed the games and Scones hopes of taking the game to a penalty shoot out.
The ball broke to Deans outside the box and his shot on goal was deflected into the path of the unmarked Holden.  The Swifts goalscoring predator took a touch before prodding the ball into the net to finish the scoring for the day.

A much better second half from Swifts but they need to apply that to the opening period if they want to have success this season.